daveyjp - that's an excellent suggestion. A smart Roadster crossed my mind, but I thought it would be too expensive. However, http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201149433864391/sort/priceasc/usedcars/model/roadster/make/smart/postcode/pl210we/page/1/radius/1500?logcode=p

Don't the small Smarts, including the Roadster, have a rather nasty reputation for blowing engines early doors?

Shame that practical wasn't a factor and good looks was[1]. I'd have suggested a ForFour. I had one as a courtesy car recently and it was exactly like driving a big Go-Kart. Oodles of fun, once I worked out that that Mitsu engine rewards you in spades for caning the living wotsits off it. I think they include a free cheesy grin with each car.

As it was getting on a bit, a garage courtesy car and had probably been thrashed within an inch of its life every day, I guess they're reliable too...;-)

[1] Then again, I quite like 'em. I can see that some wouldn't though.

Forgive me Avant, I don't think anyone would call a Corolla fun, good looking or very economical. The only fun ones are the GT/GTi, with twin cam 16 valve engines capable of revving to over 7000 rpm. The RWD has quite a cult following, so now quite pricey

I am looking for a cheap car to run, but I work from home, get shopping delivered and live 5 minutes from the central line in London, with petrol prices as they are I am finding it difficult to decide whether to invest or continue getting a minicab if I need one.